Wandsworth joins the fight to stamp out illegal tobacco

Wandsworth Council has has thrown its weight behind a new campaign to stamp out illegal tobacco across the capital.

Trading standards officers gave out advice at Southside Shopping Centre

The drive, which has been launched
by London Councils, London Trading Standards and health professionals across
the capital, aims to improve the public’s understanding of the different types
of illegal tobacco and the consequences of supporting the trade.

Wandsworth held a roadshow at
Southside Shopping Centre last week to highlight the harm caused by the sale of
illegal or cheap tobacco and to help people identify it.

Trading standards officers are
urging residents to tell them about any potentially illegal tobacco they come
across so they can investigate and take action if necessary. They will also
continue to inspect local shops and licensed premises and carry out test
purchases.

It is estimated that criminal
networks are making over £100 million a year from the trade in London, with a
third of London smokers saying they were offered illegal tobacco in the last
year.

The products are unregulated,
untaxed and often sold under-the-counter, which means they are available at
‘pocket money prices’, making it easier for children to buy them and to start
smoking from a young age.

The council’s health spokesman
Cllr Paul Ellis said: “Illegal tobacco is unsafe, funds criminal activities and
makes it easier for our young people to become hooked. We would urge all local
people to get in touch with our trading standards team if they have any
evidence of this activity going on in our borough.”

Steve Playle from London Trading
Standards, said: “Trading Standards Officers across London are at the forefront
of the battle to crack down on illegal tobacco. We work hard to advise
businesses of their responsibilities but take robust action to identify those
criminals who flout the law and bring them before the courts.”

Telltale signs of illegal tobacco include:

Packets with foreign language health
warnings

Packets with no picture health warnings

Being much cheaper than normal cigarettes
(i.e. £3.50 - £5.00 per pack of 20)

Unusual or foreign brand names, such as Jin
Ling – or those from Russia and the Far East.

If you see any tobacco products that match the description
above or have information which may be useful call the Citizens Advice Consumer
Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or report it online at www.londontradingstandards.org.uk/report-consumer-crime.
Details will then be passed to Wandsworth Trading Standards team.